Plant Engineer

Purpose

A Plant Engineer is responsible for all plant infrastructure including, but not limited to, all mechanical, electrical and control systems. The role is to design and implement manufacturing technology to automate production processes and equipment, directing plant‑wide production equipment improvements and modifications. This position reports to the plant manager with a dotted line to one of the corporate engineering managers.

• Lead and drive bottom‑line results of all plant/process improvements within mechanical/electrical and controls of plant operations.
• Direct all plant‑side projects, including scoping, approving, and executing through commissioning and implementation of all additions and changes.
• Lead, direct, and supervise all engineering efforts for the entire plant site.
• Manage the installation of automation while ensuring safety and validating the automated system for adherence to requirements and intended operation.
• Collaborate with production supervisors/managers to identify areas to improve equipment throughput, flexibility, quality, safety, and/or reliability.
• Develop and direct automation initiatives for safety and quality improvement plant‑wide.
• Manage large capital projects or multiple small capital projects concurrently, holding bottom‑line responsibility for budget and project results.
• Identify opportunities to reduce overall project cost.
• Design and implement modifications to existing manufacturing equipment to improve operational efficiencies.
• Compose Functional Requirement Specifications (FRS) for new or upgraded utility systems, compounding processes, and packaging equipment.
• Generate and revise standard operating procedures.
• Lead manufacturing non‑conformance investigations and apply good engineering practices to reduce repeat non‑conformances.
• Implement corrective and preventative actions to improve manufacturing operational efficiencies.
• Perform risk assessment and risk mitigation activities using systematic tools.
• Lead, develop, specify, and direct the implementation of new technologies to enhance the plant’s capability in control systems.
• Provide direction for training and knowledge sharing with team members to strengthen the department skill set.
• Lead the capital planning for control systems replacement/upgrades.
• Select, lead, and direct all outside engineering and contract resources necessary for process changes, project development, and execution.
• Prepare monthly status reports to the corporate engineering director for all plant‑wide projects and improvement progress.
• Lead the annual CAPEX process and 5‑year CAPEX planning.
• Participate in and report out at the annual engineering services summit; also participate and lead portions of the quarterly engineering services meetings.
• Lead personal development plans with reporting and review with the associated business engineering manager.
• Model company values.
• Perform any other duties assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Computer Science).
• EIT or ability to achieve an EIT certificate within the first 2 years; progressing toward a professional engineer’s license within 5 years.
• Proficient in AutoCAD or similar CAD design software.
• Strong prioritization and multitasking skills.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work in and maintain a highly functional team environment.
• Experience with Word, Excel, and Excel macros.
• Robotics experience, including direct participation and/or leading a team executing robotics solutions.

• Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Science).
• Fifteen (15)+ years of experience.
• Experience with automation programming such as Rockwell PLC’s.
• Ability to read and create logic and flow diagrams.
• Adept experience with 3D CAD such as Inventor or similar.
• Professional engineer.
• Exposure to highly automated/technical equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with complex multi‑axis robotics solutions, including AI (artificial intelligence and self‑direction).
• Prior experience in wood…